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PLANTING
YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
Auburn, Dec. 11---If
you’re thinking of using a live Christmas tree this season, you
need to take steps now to ensure its survival once you plant it. To
get your tree off to a good start follow these guidelines.
Decide where you are
going to plant the tree before purchasing it. Most Christmas tree
species are large and will need plenty of room to grow. Selecting
the site before you purchase will help you avoid placing the tree in
a crowded area. You should also make sure the planned area’s soil
has good drainage.
Dig the transplant hole
wide and shallow. The root ball may be as large as 24 inches. Dig
the hole at least 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball and no
deeper than the root ball. The tree needs a large enough
transplanting hole to provide room for root growth.
Store the tree outdoors
until you’re ready to decorate it. After you bring the tree into
your house, keep it in a cool location for no more than 14 days.
Water the tree to keep the root ball moist. If the temperature
drops into the low twenties, bring the tree inside to prevent the
roots from freezing.
Remove the tree from its
container. If it’s a balled and burlapped tree, loosen the burlap
wrapped around the ball and drop it into the bottom of the hole. If
you take it completely off, be careful not to disturb the soil
around the roots.
Put the tree in the hole
and back fill with the soil you saved when you dug the hole. Gently
firm the soil against the root ball as it’s added to the hole.
After filling the hole, apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch over the
planting hole and several feet beyond the hole. Water the tree well.
During the spring and
summer, keep
the tree well watered. Adequate watering during the first growing
season is vital to tree survival.
SOURCE: Dr. Ken Tilt,
Extension Horticulturist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System,
(334) 844- 5484
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